Manufactured Housing Facts
History
The manufactured home of today is an evolution of style and amenities that has its roots in a history of answering the American public’s demand for quality housing at an exceptional value. From this demand the mobile home was born. Mobile homes were bigger in size, nicer in appearance and met the needs of prospective young American homeowners better than the “trailer coaches” that had been popular since the 1920s.
In 1974, Congress passed the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act, also known as the HUD Code. This important piece of legislation made mobile homes the only form of private and single-family building subject to federal regulation. Even site-built homes were not so strictly regulated. These regulations, which went into effect in June of 1976, preempted any existing state or local construction and safety codes that applied to manufactured housing.
In order to more clearly define mobile homes as buildings rather than vehicles, the Housing Act of 1980 adopted this change officially, mandating the use of “manufactured housing” (factory-built homes) to replace “mobile homes” in all federal references to homes built since 1976.
The manufactured home of today is truly a home and bears little resemblance to the early trailers. Often, you may not even be able to distinguish a manufactured home from a site-built home. Thanks to sophisticated state-of-the-art production processes and the demands of today’s consumer, manufactured homes have become a model of efficiency, affordability, and innovative design options.
The Modern Manufactured Home
A modern manufactured home is built within a controlled factory environment, where weather won’t damage construction materials or delay the construction process, and materials are more secure from loss due to fire or theft. Creating homes in a controlled environment adds up to cost savings for the factory and, ultimately, for the homeowner.
Increased Safety, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Improved Livability
These are just some of the attributes found in today's manufactured home. Technology shows everywhere, from the exterior siding to the high R-rated insulation to the modern, low-maintenance wall coverings. Modern technology has given the manufactured housing industry the edge in value for the dollar. Modern CAD/CAM technology ensures that manufactured homes are built to the highest standards. The factory can realize tremendous savings by purchasing materials in quantity instead of one home at a time as most site-built home builders.
Something for Everyone
Manufactured housing offers something for just about everyone. All new manufactured homes are sold with major appliances, window treatments and carpeting included. Beamed, vaulted or cathedral ceilings, skylights, choice of wall coverings, spacious walk-in closets, and elegant bathrooms with garden tubs or whirlpools are just a few of the options available. In addition, manufacturers offer energy-efficient packages tailored to the local environment which will dramatically exceed the local building code requirements. Today's manufactured home will fit into any neighborhood, offering the highest value for the price.
Home l Register l Member log-in l Newsletter l Government issues l Event calendar l Homeownership info l Retail centers l Manufacturers l Industry-related services l Where to buy your home l Where to place your home l Manufactured housing facts & Financing l Financing |